A new outreach programme in Vancouver is taking significant strides towards improving dental health access for the city’s most vulnerable residents, including those experiencing homelessness. In collaboration with the Union Gospel Mission (UGM), students from Vancouver Community College’s Dental Hygiene programme are providing essential dental services to individuals who often go without proper oral care.
Tackling Dental Health Disparities
According to the 2024 Canadian Oral Health Survey, individuals without dental insurance are at a heightened risk of developing serious oral health issues. The survey revealed that nearly one-third of uninsured Canadians suffer from mouth pain, a condition that can severely affect their overall quality of life. In response to this pressing need, the mobile dental clinic at UGM, which commenced earlier this year, aims to provide free dental care to around 140 individuals in the downtown eastside neighbourhood this semester.
The initiative not only addresses immediate health concerns but also serves as a vital training ground for students enrolled in the college’s 18-month dental hygiene programme. These aspiring dental hygienists are gaining hands-on experience while making a meaningful difference in their community. Jade Gallano, a student set to graduate in August, expressed her appreciation for this opportunity, noting the challenges that come with treating patients who may have a higher incidence of untreated dental issues. “Some people may have more pain or more untreated problems being unhoused,” she explained. “With dental hygiene, you need to be able to work with a wide variety of teeth. So, being with someone who may have more problems is good practice.”
A Community-Centric Approach
Bethan Rogac, a dental hygienist and community coordinator at the college, highlighted the common dental challenges faced by patients in the programme. Many individuals present with gum disease, cavities, and damaged teeth, often requiring multiple visits for comprehensive care. The programme is partially funded by Health Canada and represents one of three co-op experiences available to the college’s 54 students, which also includes services for children and older adults.
The UGM placement, which began in mid-April and will continue until the end of July, involves students volunteering for five-hour shifts each week. This initiative not only provides essential dental care but also seeks to diminish the stigma surrounding healthcare access for unhoused individuals. Nick Wells, UGM’s media relations specialist, emphasised the importance of having services located within their facilities. “There’s a level of trust. They know where to find us, they know where our drop-in space is, and they know how to access us, which makes it easier to connect them with dental services,” he said. “It also makes it more of a welcoming experience for community members, because they know they’re not going to be judged or stigmatized for what their teeth look like.”
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Initiative
Both UGM and the college are optimistic about the future of this programme, with plans to continue the initiative in the fall when a new cohort of students arrives. “Everybody needs the care, but it is so inaccessible for certain populations. That is what we are trying to break down,” Rogac noted. As the programme progresses, it aims not only to address immediate dental health needs but also to foster a more inclusive healthcare environment for those who have traditionally faced barriers to accessing care.
Why it Matters
This outreach programme is a critical step towards addressing the healthcare inequalities faced by Vancouver’s unhoused population. With many individuals lacking the means to access dental care, this initiative provides necessary services while simultaneously training the next generation of dental professionals. By fostering trust and understanding within the community, it paves the way for a more inclusive approach to healthcare, ensuring that everyone, irrespective of their circumstances, can receive the care they need.
